SURF SPOTS

Must-Visit Spots on the West Coast of France

🟠 Landes & Southwest (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

The most famous region for surfing in France, with powerful waves and legendary beach breaks.

  • Hossegor – La Gravière — Powerful tubes and hollow waves (advanced level).

  • Hossegor – La Nord — Iconic spot often used in competitions (advanced).

  • Seignosse – Les Estagnots — Sandy and fast, very good for intermediate to advanced surfers.

  • Seignosse – Les Bourdaines — Powerful waves with more space than La Gravière.

  • Capbreton – Santocha — Powerful beach break near the port.

  • Capbreton – La Piste / VVF — Varied spots depending on swell and tide.

  • Biscarrosse Plage — Very popular spot, perfect for playing with the swell.

  • Contis Plage — Long open beach with fun waves for all levels.

  • Messanges, Mimizan-Plage, Moliets-et-Maâ, Soustons, Labenne Océan, St Girons, Tarnos – Le Métro, Vieux Boucau, Boucau – Tarnos (several coastal beach breaks).

🟡 Gironde & Côte d’Argent

Accessible spots, perfect for both learning and progressing.

  • Lacanau – Plage Centrale / La Nord — Versatile spot suitable for all levels.

  • Cap Ferret – Grand Crohot — Sandy beach with regular waves for everyone.

🔵 Charente-Maritime & Islands

Less powerful but charming waves, sometimes exposed offshore.

  • La Palmyre – La Coubre — Long exposed beach break (intermediate to advanced level).

  • Île de Ré – Diamond Head — Interesting left, especially with strong swell.

  • Île de Ré – Lizay — Rocky spot with several peaks.

  • Île de Ré – Grignon — Rocky point offering regular waves.

🟢 Brittany – Wild and Powerful Spots

Brittany offers waves that are often more challenging, but magnificent in spectacular settings.

  • La Pointe de la Torche (Plomeur, Finistère) — Iconic spot with long waves (all levels).

  • Baie des Trépassés (Finistère) — Versatile spot with regular swell (intermediate to advanced).

  • Côte Sauvage (Presqu’île de Quiberon, Morbihan) — Several breaks exposed to the swell (advanced).

Basque Country & Southern Southwest Final

Legendary spots with a strong surf culture.

  • Biarritz – Côte des Basques — Mythical spot for all levels (especially intermediate).

  • Guéthary – Parlementia — Powerful reef break for advanced surfers.

  • Hendaye — Gentler beach, ideal for learning.


Quick Tips

  • Beginners / learning : Lacanau, Contis, Mimizan, Hendaye.

  • Intermediates : La Palmyre, La Torche, Île de Ré.

  • Advanced / Experts : Hossegor La Gravière, Parlementia (Guéthary), Baie des Trépassés.